OT: Babcock to Maple Leafs

Submitted by boliver46 on

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I was hearing all day yesterday that Babcock would be taking the Sabres job.  I was shocked to see that he accepted the Toronto job instead.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have won the sweepstakes for the offseason's biggest coaching prize, reaching terms with Mike Babcock on Wednesday, a source confirmed to ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.

I don't see financial terms of the deal, but the Buffalo deal was rumored at $5 million/year.

How do you feel about Babcock departing?  Do you think the Wings should have made a better offer than the reported $3.5 million/year to keep him?  Or is it time for new blood?  Is it time for me to stop asking questions in this thread?  I'm Ron Burgundy?

 

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CoachBP6

May 20th, 2015 at 3:59 PM ^

Sabres wanted him the most, and I am surprised he wen with Toronto to be honest. Detroit will be fine. The Sabres will likely target Dan Bylsma now. Sabres have a nice young roster, tons of cap space, and new owners willing to spend big $$$. Buffalo will be formidable in the east now and someone should want the job.

Joined: 12/18/2013

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gwkrlghl

May 20th, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^

Toronto for obvious reasons

Buffalo because whenever the Leafs head down there, the Leafs fans who can't afford a few hundred bucks for a home ticket will gladly drive the hour and pay half the price. It'll be Toronto South for Babcock's first game there

Joined: 04/13/2012

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west2

May 20th, 2015 at 4:37 PM ^

this has been in the works for months.  He's Canadian which means his dream job is either Montreal or Toronto.  In Babcocks case its Toronto.   I wish him luck he worked hard for the Wings and is a class act.   

Joined: 01/23/2011

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Saint_in_Blue

May 20th, 2015 at 4:46 PM ^

The rumor floating around Grand Rapids media is that Jeff Blashill is going to take over the Red Wings. And he has been killing it with the Grand Rapids Griffins (Red Wings affiliate in the AHL) the past couple years. I'd be OK with that.

Joined: 10/17/2011

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GoBlueGoWings

May 20th, 2015 at 6:48 PM ^

Once he hit the open market I told myself he was gone. The Leafs needed a splash and they got it. They win the Cup he is a god in that city.

Thanks Mike for what you have done for the Red Wings.

Joined: 04/19/2012

MGoPoints: 52662

turtleboy

May 20th, 2015 at 7:14 PM ^

I think this will be good for Babs and for Detroit. Both parties could use a fresh start, and should benefit from a change of pace. Wishing coach happy trails, he was great for the winged wheel

Joined: 04/22/2011

MGoPoints: 35130

bronxblue

May 20th, 2015 at 8:00 PM ^

It's tough because Babcock is one of the best coaches in hockey, but this Wings team seems like it needs a change. will be interesting to see how long he stays on toronto if he ever considers coming to UM

Joined: 11/22/2008

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I Bleed Maize N Blue

May 20th, 2015 at 10:29 PM ^

I guess they made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Money, it's a gas.

Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.

 

I'm a bit sorry to see such a good coach go, but on the other hand, maybe he's been here so long that longtime veterans tune him out a bit, such that he can't get the best out of them. So the voice of a new coach could be a good thing.

Joined: 09/27/2008

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FatGuyLittleCoat

May 21st, 2015 at 10:58 AM ^

That organization sucks. They are the New York Jets of the NHL, constantly being mismanaged, overhyped, and not winning when it counts. I wish Babock would stayed with the Wings or gone elsewhere; however, I understand that money talks. I wish him luck in Toronto, although I doubt he'll have the success that he's had in Detroit. There aren't many organizations run as well as the Red Wings (this coming from a Blue Jackets fan), and I think he'll miss that stability soon into the job.

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